What Triggers Metal Detectors
Setting off metal detectors is a common occurence, particularly when entering a public place such as an airport. It is typically triggered by items of metallic mass, either as a result of their nature or size. In some cases, such items may have been worn close to the body and thus escape detection during inspection.
In this article, we will discuss the various reasons why metal detectors are set off:
Metal Objects
Metal detectors are devices that can detect the presence of metal objects in their vicinity. This is typically done for security purposes, either in airports or other public spaces where metal objects are prohibited. The type of metal detected depends on the model and sensitivity settings, but common examples include gunpowder cartridges, knives, coins, keys and jewelry.
Metal detectors typically work by sending a low-frequency electromagnetic field in a particular area or through a person or object. When this field encounters metal objects, it will create eddy currents that interact with the detector’s sensors to cause an alarm.
To avoid setting off any alarms when passing through metal detectors, it is important to remove all items made of metal before passing through them. Items such as watches, jewelry, cell phones and coins can all be picked up by metal detectors if they contain enough metallic content.
Additionally, heavy clothing such as boots and zipper closures may also trigger a metal detector alarm because they contain bits of steel or iron that can interfere with the detector’s electromagnetic field. Even orthopedic medical implants like joint replacement components may set off an alarm due to their metallic content. Your best bet is to always remove any item that may possibly contain metals before approaching a security checkpoint equipped with metal detectors.
Magnetic Fields
Metal detectors use a technique known as electromagnetic induction to detect metals within close proximity of the detector. Sensitive magnetic fields are generated in a coil within the detector and when this magnetic field comes into contact with metallic objects within its range, it causes eddy currents or disturbances in the field. This disturbance is detected by an electronic circuit which then triggers an alarm to alert you of its presence.
Common items that are likely to set off metal detectors include jewelry, mobile phones, keys and coins. The type of metal can also cause the detector to respond differently. Some metals such as lead and magnesium have low conductivity, making them harder for a detector to recognize than those like iron which are highly conductive. Understanding how detectors register certain frequencies will help you determine why certain items set them off more easily than others.
Common Metal Objects That Set Off Metal Detectors
Metal detectors are a great way to ensure security, but sometimes they can be set off and cause disruption. Most times, it is because of metal objects that people are carrying on their person. From belt buckles and necklaces to zippers and buttons, there are a variety of common metal objects that can cause the metal detector to beep.
Let’s look at some of those objects and why they can cause the detector to beep:
Jewelry
Jewelry is one of the most common metal objects that will set off a metal detector. Jewellery is usually made of sterling silver, carat gold, white gold or platinum. Because precious metal jewelry items are usually more substantial than other types of jewelry, they are often composed of multiple metal components and alloys that can easily be detected. Items like rings, earrings and necklaces will therefore likely alert security personnel when passing through a metal detector.
In addition to jewelry made from precious metals, costume jewelry materials such as nickel will also set off a metal detector as well as any items containing iron or steel components even if they appear to be insignificant in size.
Electronics
Depending on the strength of the metal detector and what it is specifically programmed to look for, certain electronics can set off metal detectors. Electronic items such as mobile phones, car keys and USB flash drives are examples of items that are likely to cause a metal detector to beep due to their metal components. This is because electronics often contain a mix of various metals such as aluminum, copper, steel and brass; all compounds that can trigger a false positive on most metal detectors.
To help prevent triggering false alarms, some manufacturers coat their electronics with non-metallic substances so they won’t show up on the radar. However, many low-end consumer devices don’t have this technology in place yet; therefore it’s recommended to remove any electronic items from your person before attempting to enter through a security area with a metal detector.
Keys
Keys are commonly carried items that will almost always set off metal detectors. While it may seem counterintuitive due to their small size, keys tend to be made of highly conductive metals like iron and nickel, which can activate a metal detector when passed through it.
It is also important to note that some keys contain small amounts of nickel plating which can also increase their conductivity. Additionally, car and house keys might contain a steel shank, increasing the likelihood of setting off a metal detector.
When going through security checkpoints, it’s generally recommended to remove any objects stored in pockets beforehand, including keys, as these are most likely set off the detectors.
Coins
Coins are a common cause of setting off metal detectors. Most coins are made out of a combination of metals, typically copper and nickel, and these metals have properties that make them detectable. Coins may appear small, but they can be large enough to set off a sensor when passed through or near a metal detector.
Additionally, coins can become trapped inside the frame of a handheld metal detector, which then increases its sensitivity level. This causes any object that is metallic to set off the detector when it is passed near it.
Watches
It’s no wonder many people feel slight panic when going through a metal detector, as it’s difficult to know precisely what will cause the alarms to sound. Watches are some of the most common items that can set off metal detectors.
Most watches today are made of stainless steel, which is an alloy of both oxygen and heavy metals. This makes them detectable by any device capable of scanning inanimate objects for metals – including body-worn devices and large detectors found in security checkpoints. Not only does stainless steel contain high concentrations of iron, but some newer models also feature crystals, sapphires and other minerals with a higher specific gravity (SG).
Watches may have additional components that are magnetic – such as nickel-plated bases or gears – which could increase their chances of setting off the alarm on a metal detector. It is best to double check with security personnel to determine if your watch will be detected before you approach the detector; this will alleviate stress or potentially any penalties that may occur as a result of setting it off.
How to Avoid Setting Off Metal Detectors
Setting off metal detectors can be a stressful and embarrassing experience, especially when you’re in a rush. Fortunately, there are some ways to reduce the chances of setting off metal detectors. We’ll discuss a few simple tips and tricks to help you avoid setting off those annoying alarms:
- Wear minimal metal accessories.
- Remove all metal items from your pockets.
- Take off your belt and any other metal items.
- Put your laptop, cell phone, and other electronics in a separate bin.
- Be aware of any metal implants or medical devices.
Wear minimal metal on your body
When going through metal detectors, it is important to be aware of the amount of metal you are wearing on your person, as this can sometimes set off alarms. To avoid setting off metal detectors, it is best to wear minimal metal items and remove any possible items that may contain metal before entering.
Jewelry: Wear only minimal jewelry such as stud earrings, a thin ankle bracelet or a small watch. Remove necklaces, bulky bracelets and any other items that could potentially cause an alarm.
Clothing: Avoid wearing any clothing with large amounts of metal accents or clasps – for instance, the buckles on some heavy winter coats can contain large pieces of metalwork which can set off an alarm.
Shoes: Remove shoes with metallic components or simply wear shoes without laces for quicker scanning times. Alternatively, you can opt for zero-metal technology shoes which are specifically designed to avoid setting off detectors – perfect for frequent flyers!
Other Items: Keys and coins should be removed from pockets where possible and placed in available inspection trays during the scanning process. If you still have concerns about certain objects setting off an alarm when walking through a detector, there are special lines dedicated to accommodating travelers with special needs – make sure to contact security staff prior to use if this applies to you.
Remove metal objects from your pockets
Metal detectors are often used at airports, government buildings and other controlled areas to ensure the security of those who enter. However, metal detectors can be triggered by items that you may not have meant to bring along. In order to avoid setting off metal detectors, it is important to remove all metal objects from your pockets before going through. This will help minimize delays and prevent any possible alarm from sounding.
Before passing through a metal detector, check your pockets and pull out items like coins, keys, cell phones or watches that may contain metal components. These items are likely to set off the detector if they contain ferrous metals such as iron or steel. Even small items containing nickel-alloy components will trigger an alarm if not removed from your pockets beforehand. To be safe, it is best practice to empty your pockets entirely before you pass through the detector’s archway.
In addition to removing all pocket items that contain metal components, it is also important to remove any clothing accessories or jewelry that may activate the detector when passed through its archway. Loose coins and other small metallic objects may cause a false alarm as well if they come in contact with the detector’s surface while you pass through it so be sure to take special care in checking yourself over before exiting its range of detection. When in doubt, always opt for taking extra precautions when travelling through secured areas like airports where security is of utmost importance.
Ask for a hand search
When travelling through airports, large stadiums or other public buildings with metal detectors, it is common to be asked to walk through them to make sure you are not carrying any prohibited items. Occasionally, a person may find they have set off the metal detector even though they do not think they have any of the banned items with them. To help avoid setting off the metal detector and prevent further delays during the screening process, here are some steps that can be taken:
- Avoid wearing any clothing or jewelry with large metallic objects; instead choose neutral-colored person-fitting attire.
- Remove all watches, coins and other small metal objects from your pockets and avoid carrying bulky bags unless necessary.
- If you still set off the alarm after taking these actions, politely ask a security officer for a hand search. This is often done in private rooms or behind curtains so that people feel comfortable and safe during the check-up.
- As an alternative option for people with medical implants or injuries that may set off metal detectors, it is important to ensure these items are properly labeled and declared before going through security screenings.
Medical Implants
Many people with medical implants may find that they set off metal detectors. This is because many medical implants use metal components and conduct electricity, which can be picked up by the sensors on a metal detector.
From pacemakers, to joint replacements to bone stimulators and implants, the reason why people set off metal detectors can be varied and complex. In this article, we’ll look more closely into why this can occur.
Pacemakers
Pacemakers are electronic medical implants designed to correct abnormal heart rhythms. They send low-energy electrical signals to the heart, restoring a normal heartbeat or rate. Depending on your type of pacemaker and its placement, it can trigger a metal detector when you walk through an airport or other security checkpoint.
Pacemakers consist of tiny metal wires with electrical connections that are implanted into your chest wall. They may be seen on x-rays and can interfere with the magnetic fields used by metal detectors. If you have a pacemaker, you should inform the security personnel before attempting to pass through a metal detector.
Pacemakers are powered by small batteries and require monitoring from time to time; during these monitoring sessions, small changes can be made to the device’s settings if needed for improved performance or battery life. It’s important for those with pacemakers to keep their doctor appointments so that any changes required can be made as soon as possible in order to minimize any disruption that may occur when passing through security checkpoints with a pacemaker that sets off alarms.
Metal Implants
Your body may contain metal or other material that can set off the alarm at a security checkpoint. If your body is implanted with medical devices made of metal, such as joint replacements, plates, screws, or implants like pacemakers and defibrillators, these will be detected when you go through a metal detector.
Most implants contain some type of metal. Implants typically use one or a combination of these metals: titanium, stainless steel, cobalt-chromium alloy (CoCr), and nickel-titanium (NiTi). Depending on the type of implant and its design features, you may experience signal interference from different types of medical imaging technologies including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and X-rays.
In addition to metallic implants such as artificial hips and knee replacements, certain nonmetallic implants can also set off alarm bells in certain circumstances. For example, orthopedic braces with synthetic fibers and buckles containing thicker plastics that contain carbon can cause gate alarms to sound. Additionally, if an artificial eye prosthesis contains a metallic coil it could set off detectors as well.
Identifying your implants ahead of time can make it easier for security personnel to identify their source when going through airport or other security scanners. Be sure to have your doctor provide you with any documentation or certificates indicating the presence of available medical implants on your person before travelling so that you can share this information with screening personnel in order to reduce any potential delays at checkpoints due to false positives on their gates alarms systems.
Artificial Joints
Artificial joints, including those made of stainless steel, cobalt-chromium, titanium and ceramic materials, are commonly used in orthopedic procedures to replace damaged joints or to improve joint mobility. Some joint replacements are more prone to setting off metal detectors than others. For example, hip and knee replacements made from titanium alloy produce a stronger magnetic signal than stainless steel or cobalt-chromium replacements. In general, any man-made implants may affect a metal detector’s performance and should be communicated with the security personnel before passing through the detector.
In addition to artificial joints there are other types of medical devices that contain metals such as pacemakers, defibrillators, insulin pumps and cochlear implants which can set off the detector due to their high levels of conductivity. Individual pacemakers contain small amounts of metal – usually in the form of a capacitor – but an active pacemaker generates an electrical current when it senses an irregular heartbeat which increases its magnetic field and possible detection by the metal detector’s sensors. Defibrillators also contain diverse amounts of metals that can be picked up by a metal detector so patients should always inform any security at airports or events if they have such devices.
If you are required to undergo screening using a walkthrough metal detector you may be requested to go through with it once with your medical device switched off and then again after it is powered up in order that the required parameters for each one can be carefully checked by the security personnel; this will ensure that both your comfort and security needs are met without causing any inconveniences on either side.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the answer to why a particular person may set off metal detectors varies from situation to situation. It could due be to a number of factors such as wearing certain items, having implanted medical devices, or more rare and serious causes like carrying concealed firearms. Even for individuals without any intentional dangerous items on their person, the architecture of their body may still cause them to falsely trigger metal detectors.
However, human-operated security checkpoints can provide manual inspections which allow false alerts to be filtered out and the safety of a space or area maintained.
